Flexible container for concentrated product

ABSTRACT

Provided are flexible containers for holding a concentrate, the containers comprising: a flexible body holding the concentrate, a spout, a filter element disposed in the spout, the filter element comprising a filter and an attachment element configured to attach to a water source. Also provided are methods of reconstituting concentrated products using the flexible containers.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices for holdingconcentrated products and methods for the reconstitution of concentratedproducts. Specifically, the present invention relates to flexiblecontainers with filter elements for storing and reconstitutingconcentrated consumer products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Surfactant concentrates are well known in the art. Such concentrates areeconomical to ship to formulators who dilute the concentration withwater or add the concentrates to cleaning compositions for use as acomponent of shampoos, cleansers, lotions, dishwasher or laundrydetergents, etc. Food concentrates may also be dehydrated, shipped to afinal destination, and then rehydrated prior to final use.

A recurring problem is that in some locations, such as developingcountries or wilderness areas, water sources are often contaminated. Inthese cases, pretreatment or filtering of the contaminated water isrequired to decontaminate the water prior to reconstituting the consumeror food product.

There is therefore a desire to ship concentrated products to their finaldestination, and then, starting with water at the final destination,including in some cases contaminated water, reconstitute the product forconsumer use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a flexiblecontainer holding a concentrate, the container comprising: a flexiblebody holding the concentrate, a spout, a filter element disposed in thespout, the filter element comprising a filter and an attachment elementconfigured to attach to a water source.

According to another aspect, provided are methods of reconstituting aconcentrated product comprising: providing a flexible container of theclaimed invention; attaching a water source to said attachment elementof said flexible container; and introducing water from said water sourcethrough said filter element and into said flexible container toreconstitute the concentrate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a flexible package according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the flexible package embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3a is a side cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a spoutand its attachment to the flexible package embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3b is a side cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a spoutand its attachment to the flexible package embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3c is a side cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a spoutand its attachment to the flexible package embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a waterfilter element of the flexible package embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top cross-sectional view of a section of the water filterelement of FIG. 4 taken along the 5-5 plane.

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the water filter element asshown in FIG. 4 prior to attachment to the flexible package embodimentof FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the water filter element asshown in FIG. 4 after attachment to the flexible package embodiment ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a flexible package according of thepresent invention coupled to a water source prior to being filled.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a flexible package according of thepresent invention coupled to a water source after being filled.

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a removablewater filter element prior to attachment to the flexible packageembodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a removablewater filter element after attachment to the flexible package embodimentof FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the removable water filter element ofFIG. 10 coupled to a water source after being removed from a flexiblepackage embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a flexible package according to a secondembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the flexible package embodiment of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the second embodiment of the flexiblepackage according of the present invention coupled to a water sourceprior to being filled.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of the second embodiment of the flexiblepackage according of the present invention coupled to a water sourceafter being filled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The term “concentrate” as used herein means the concentrated form ofsubstance to which water or other diluting agent may be added toreconstitute the concentrate to the substance desired. Examples ofcertain concentrates, according to certain embodiments of the presentinvention, include concentrated forms of fluid consumer productformulations that may be reconstituted via the addition of water toconsumer products intended for use by a consumer.

The term “consumer product” as used herein means merchandise or otheritems of common or daily use, ordinarily bought by individuals orhouseholds for private consumption. A representative, non-limiting listof product categories includes personal care products including productsfor: baby care including lotions, soaps, shampoos, and conditioners;skin care, including body washes, facial cleansers, hand lotions,moisturizers, conditioners, astringents, exfoliation products,microdermabrasion and peel products, skin rejuvenation products,anti-aging products, masks, and UV protection products; beauty care,such as, cosmetics and colognes; feminine care; hair care (human oranimal), including bleaches, colors and dyes, shampoos, conditioners(including rinse-off and leave-in forms), and styling aids; oral care,including toothpaste, dentifrice, tooth gel, tooth rinse, mouth rinse,gum care, denture adhesive, and tooth whitening; personal cleansing,including hand soaps and shower gels. Other product categories includehousehold products including products for: dish care, including handdishwashing agents or light duty dishwashing agents, and machinedishwashing agents; fabric care, including fabric treatment andconditioning (including softening); laundry care, including detergents,bleach, conditioners, softeners, anti-static products, and liquidrefreshers; floor and surface cleaning and/or treatment products, woodfloor cleaners, antibacterial floor and surface cleaners, air refreshersand vehicle washing products; as well as healthcare products includingover-the-counter products such as respiratory and cough/cold products,pain relievers, oral and topical analgesics, gastro-intestinal treatmentproducts, RX pharmaceuticals, and pet health and nutrition. Food,beverage, and snack products are also included.

The present invention is directed to containers for concentrates, andmethods of their use, that can be advantageously used to reconstitutesuch concentrates from a variety of water sources, including sources ofcontaminated water. According to certain embodiments, the presentinvention is directed to a flexible container for a concentratecomprising a flexible body holding the concentrate, a spout, a filterelement disposed in the spout, the filter element comprising a filterand an attachment element configured to attach to a water source.

The container of the present invention may be in any form suitable tohold a concentrate and to allow fluid to be added thereto toreconstitute the concentrate within the flexible body. Examples ofsuitable containers with a flexible body include sachets, pouches,bottles, and the like.

As will be readily understood by one of skill in the art, pouches foruse in the present invention may be any suitable spouted pouch. Ingeneral, pouches are multi-layered laminates of with printable outerlayers and inner layers with barrier properties. Examples of suitabletypes of spouted pouches include shaped pouches, stand-up pouches,retort pouches, box pouches, slider pouches, zipper pouches, and thelike. Pouches may be obtained from manufacturers such as Glenroy, Inc.(Menomonee Falls, Wis.) or ProAmpac (Cincinnati, Ohio).

In certain preferred embodiments, the container of the present inventionis a single- or multi-use pouch which in the art is also referred to asa sachet. Sachets may also be in the form of shaped, stand-up, retort,box, slider, and zipper sachets, and the like.

The flexible body of the container may be made with any of a variety ofsuitable materials. In certain embodiments, the flexible body will beformed out of polymers or plastics used in the packaging of consumerproducts. These include, but are not limited to, polycarbonate (PC),polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), lowdensity polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride(PVC) and combinations thereof. In the case of retort pouches orsachets, the inner layer may be formed of thin metal foils. In someembodiments, the flexible body will be formed by coextruding inner andouter layers.

In some embodiments, the polymers or plastics used to form the flexiblebody can be made of biodegradable or dissolvable polymers. Biodegradablepolymers are a specific type of polymer that breaks down after itsintended purpose to result in natural byproducts such as gases (CO₂,N₂), water, biomass, and inorganic salts. Biodegradable polymers arefound both naturally and synthetically made, and largely consist ofester, amide, and ether functional groups. Biodegradable polymers thatcan be used include, but are not limited to: polyhydroxyalkanoates(PHAs) like the poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV)and polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHH); polylactic acid (PLA); polybutylenesuccinate (PBS), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polyanhydrides (PAH).Dissolvable polymers that can be used include, but are not limited to:polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH); most of the starch derivatives; celluloseesters like cellulose acetate and nitrocellulose and their derivatives(celluloid).

The containers of the present invention may comprise any suitable spoutthrough which fluid, material, or product may be introduced into, orremoved from, the inside of the container. The spout may be connected tothe flexible body of the container by a number of known means, severalof which will be described later. The spout suitable for use in thepresent invention may be made of any suitable material. Examples of suchmaterials include the polymers or plastics used in the packaging ofconsumer products. These include, but are not limited to, high densitypolyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene(PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), andpolyvinyl chloride (PVC). In some embodiments, the spout may be formedof metal, or the biodegradable or dissolvable polymers discussed above.

For any given embodiment, at least one spout of the present invention issized to have a water filter element of the present invention disposedtherein and attached thereto. In some embodiments, the water filterelement will be permanently attached to the spout. Methods such asultrasonic welding, thermal fusing, or permanent adhesives may be usedto permanently attached the water filter element to the spout. In otherembodiments, the water filter element will be removably attached to thespout. Any suitable connection elements for removably connecting thewater filter element to the port may be used. For example, the port andwater filter element may comprise connection elements such as screwthreads, snap-fit connection elements, resistant fit elements, and thelike.

The water filter element of the present invention may comprise anysuitable filter. Suitable filters for use in the present inventioncomprise filters capable of filtering out a variety of health-relatedcontaminants such as organic contaminants or infectious microorganismsfound in the water supplies. Infectious microorganisms found in thewater supplies include bacteria, such as Shigella, Escherichia coli,Vibrio, and Salmonella, and protozoans, such as Entamoeba, Giardia, andCryptosporidium.

Applicants have identified a variety of filtering materials which may beused. Reverse osmosis (RO) or nano-filtration (NF) membranes may beused, though these require high upstream pressure to drive water throughthem. In certain embodiments where there is a desire for using a filterthat does not require significant pressure to drive water through thefilter, a filter comprising nano-filter media (NFM) such as Boehmite(aluminum oxide hydroxide) fiber nano-particles may be used. In otherembodiments, nano-fibers on micro-glass fiber carries may be used as afilter media. Filters comprising carbon nano-tubes may also be used instill other embodiments.

In certain particularly preferred embodiments, it is preferred that thefilter would allow the user to fill the containers of the presentinvention in a reasonable amount of time using only gravity flow or handsqueezing of a squeezable water source (e.g. a water bottle). In someembodiments, container fill time is about ten minutes or less, or aboutfive minutes or less, or about three minutes or less or about one minuteor less.

The applicants have found that using Boehmite filters from AhlstromCorporation (Helsinki, Finland) and a 15 cm head of water pressure(about 150 Pa) in a two-liter water PET bottle, a flow rate of 0.75ml/(min*cm²) can be obtained. They have also found that by squeezing thetwo-liter bottle, a flow rate of about 20 ml/(min*cm²) can be obtained.At this flow rate, and with a spout area of about 5 cm², a 100 mlcontainer can be filled in about a minute. According to certainembodiments, the filter of the present invention has a flow rate ofabout 5 ml/(min*cm²) or greater, including, about 10 ml/(min*cm²) orgreater, about 15 ml/(min*cm²) or greater, or about 20 ml/(min*cm²) orgreater when water is squeezed from a two-liter water PET bottle throughthe filter using a grip strength of about 30 kilograms. According tocertain embodiments, the filter of the present invention has a flow rateof about 5 ml/(min*cm²) or greater, including, about 10 ml/(min*cm²) orgreater, about 15 ml/(min*cm²) or greater, or about 20 ml/(min*cm²) orgreater when water is squeezed from a two-liter water PET bottle throughthe filter using a grip strength of about 40 kilograms. According tocertain embodiments, the filter of the present invention has a flow rateof about 5 ml/(min*cm²) or greater, including, about 10 ml/(min*cm²) orgreater, about 15 ml/(min*cm²) or greater, or about 20 ml/(min*cm²) orgreater when water is squeezed from a two-liter water PET bottle throughthe filter using a grip strength of about 50 kilograms. According tocertain embodiments, the filter of the present invention has a flow rateof about 5 ml/(min*cm²) or greater, including, about 10 ml/(min*cm²) orgreater, about 15 ml/(min*cm²) or greater, or about 20 ml/(min*cm²) orgreater when water is squeezed from a two-liter water PET bottle throughthe filter using a grip strength of about 60 kilograms.

The water filter element of the present invention may comprise anysuitable attachment element for connecting to a water source. Suitableattachment elements may comprise screw threads, snap-fit connectionelements, resistant fit elements, and the like. In certain preferredembodiments, the attachment element comprises screw threads sized to fitand engage with the screw threads of a water hose and/or a water bottleto connect thereto. In certain preferred embodiments, the attachmentelement of the removable water filter comprises a female attachmentelement and the connecting element on the water source is acorresponding male connection element. For example, in preferredembodiments wherein the water source is a hand held bottle containingwater, the screw threads commonly found around the neck of the hand heldbottle may be screwed into a female attachment element of the waterfilter element to engage the screw threads therein and connect thebottle to the water filter element.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that the term “hand heldbottle” refers to any of a variety of commercially available bottlesthat can be held in the hand and may be used in general as a source ofdrinking water (or other fluid). Hand held bottles may be of anysuitable size including, for example, bottles sized to hold from abouttwo liters or less, including from about one liter or less, from about500 milliliter or less, from about 250 milliliter or less. Preferably,the hand held bottle is made from a flexible material, and may besqueezed by hand to help expel the fluid contained therein. Examples ofcertain hand held bottles include commercially available plastic twelveounce, twenty ounce, one liter, two liter (or other commerciallyavailable sizes around the world) bottles of water, soda, or otherfluids intended for drinking, or other similar sized bottles for otherproducts that have been emptied and may then be filled with water foruse in the present invention.

In certain embodiments, the concentrate in the container of the presentinvention may be substantially free of preservatives. Examples ofpreservatives include, but are not limited to, parabens, quaternaryammonium species, phenoxyethanol, benzoates, DMDM hydantoin, and thelike. As used herein “substantially free of preservatives” means lessthan 0.5% by weight of a product of preservatives, including, forexample, less than 0.1%, less than 0.05%, less than 0.01% by weight ofthe product of preservatives, or in certain embodiments the product isfree of preservatives.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the present invention provides formethods of reconstituting a concentrated product comprising providing aflexible container containing a concentrate, attaching a water source tothe attachment element of the flexible container, and forcing waterthrough the filter element of the container and into the container toreconstitute a concentrate therein.

Any of the suitable elements as described above may be used in themethods of the present invention. In certain embodiments, the watersource is a capable of being held and squeezed in the hand, and the stepof forcing water through the filter element comprises squeezing thewater source by hand to force water through the filter element.

In certain embodiments, the method comprises forcing a predeterminedand/or desired amount of water into the container to reconstitute theconcentrate. Such predetermined/desired amount may be sufficient waterto fill the flexible container, or may be an amount indicated by avisible indicator (e.g. a fill line or the like) or other indicator inor on the container. Those of skill in the art will readily understandthe use of a visible fill indicator (such as a fill line or otherindicator) to indicate to a user when sufficient water has been added tothe flexible container to reconstitute the concentrate. In certainembodiments, the reconstituted concentrate made in accord with thepresent invention may be stored prior to use and/or when designed formultiple uses, the product may be stored in between uses.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the product resultingfrom reconstituting the concentrate may be used by dispensing theproduct back through the spout used to introduce water to theconcentrate. Such dispensing may be done with the filter in place orremoved. In certain embodiments the filter is removed. In theseembodiments, the product may be dispensed by removing the filter elementfrom the spout and dispensing the reconstituted product. In embodimentswherein the flexible container contains more than one spout, theresulting product may be dispensed back out through the spout used tointroduce water, or may instead be dispensed through a second spoutconfigured to allow reconstituted product to be dispensed therethrough.

In certain embodiments, after reconstituting the product, the removablefilter may be removed from the spout while the removable filter remainsattached to the water source. In this way, water from the water sourcemay be forced through the removed filter element to provide filteredand/or potable water outside of the flexible container for drinking orother purposes. In other embodiments, after reconstituting the product,the removable filter element may be removed from the spout and the watersource, optionally cleaned, and then attached to either the same or adifferent water source. In this way, water from the water source may beforced through the removed filter element to provide filtered and/orpotable water outside of the flexible container for drinking or otherpurposes.

Further illustration of certain embodiments of the device and method ofthe present invention are now described in a non-limiting manner withreference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a flexible packageaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a frontview of package 10 comprising flexible container or pouch 20 withproximal 22 and distal 24 ends. Spout 30 is located on proximal end 22of flexible container 20. Water filter element 60 is disposed in spout30. Flexible container 20 is partially filled with concentrated consumerproduct 40. Consumer product 40 may be in the form of a concentratedliquid, a loose or compressed powder, tablets, or a combination offorms. FIG. 2 is a side view of flexible package 10, showing a narrowsection in flexible container 20 between proximal 22 and distal 24 ends.

The packages of the present invention may comprise any suitable spoutthrough which fluid, material, or consumer product may be introducedinto, or removed from, the inside of the container. FIG. 3a is a sidecross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a spout 30 a and itsattachment to flexible container 20. The figure shows spout 30 a withspout opening 32 a, and inner and outer spout walls, 34 a and 36 a,respectively. The figure also shows flexible container 20 with containeropening 25, and outer and inner container walls, 26 and 28,respectively. Spout 30 a is attached to outer wall 26 of flexiblecontainer 20, and inner wall 34 a surrounds container opening 25 suchthat fluid or other material may flow through the spout opening 32 ainto and out of container 20 through container opening 25. In a secondembodiment, shown in FIG. 3b , spout 30 b may be attached to inner wall28 of flexible container 20, and extend through and out of container 20through container opening 25. In this embodiment, inner wall 34 b ofspout 30 b defines spout opening 32 b through which material may flowinto and out of flexible container 20. In a third embodiment, shown inFIG. 3c , spout 30 c may comprise a first spout portion 37 c attached toinner wall 28 of the flexible container 20. A locking ring 38 c isattached to the outer wall 26 of spout 30 c to hold spout 30 c in place.Here, inner wall 34 c of spout 30 c defines spout opening 32 c throughwhich material may flow into and out of flexible container 20.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a first embodiment of water filter element 60. FIG. 4is a side cross-sectional view of filter element 60, which includesouter surface 62 and inner surface 66. Inner surface 66 has attachmentmeans 68, shown as screw threads. Filter element 60 has filter opening72. The walls of water filter element 60 define open volume 74 in whichis disposed filter 80. Contaminated water will enter water filterelement 60 through open volume 74, pass through filter 80, and leavewater filter element 60 through filter port 76 as clean water.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, filter 80 is held in place byfilter supports 82. Other embodiments of support for filter 80 includespacers or “O”-rings, and the like.

FIG. 5 is a top cross-sectional view of a section of the removable waterfilter element of FIG. 4 taken along the 5-5 plane. The figure showsfilter supports 82 and filter port 76. In the embodiment shown, a singlefilter port 76 is shown with a circular cross-section. In otherembodiments, there may be multiple filter ports 76, and they may have anumber of other cross-sectional shapes such as oval, square,rectangular, etc. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, numerous filtersupports 82 with rectangular cross-sectional shapes are shown. In otherembodiments, filter supports 82 may have a number of othercross-sectional shapes such as circular, oval, square, etc.

Though not shown, a closure device for filter element 60 may be employedprior to use of package 10. In some embodiments, a cap may engage withfilter element 60 by means of screws threads, a snap-fit or a resistantfit. In other embodiments, a plug that fits into the inner surface 66 offilter element 60 and is connected to filter element 60 via attachmentmeans 68, may be used. In yet other embodiments, a foil or plasticmembrane may be used to seal filter element 60 prior to use of package10.

Water filter element 60 is disposed in, and attached to, spout 30. FIGS.6 and 7 show one embodiment of the steps used to attach water filterelement 60 to spout 30 a. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of waterfilter element 60 and spout 30 a prior to their attachment. The figureshows water filter element 60 sized to fit into spout 30 a such thatouter surface 62 of water filter element 60 contacts inner spout walls34 a. FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the water filter element60 and spout 30 a after their attachment. In one embodiment, aresistance fit can keep water filter element 60 from separating fromspout 30 a. In other embodiments, adhesive can be applied to either orboth outer surface 62 of water filter element 60 and inner spout walls34 a to keep the parts from separating. In some embodiments, waterfilter element 60 will be permanently attached to spout 30 a. Methodssuch as ultrasonic welding, thermal fusing, or permanent adhesives maybe used to permanently attached water filter element 60 to spout 30 a.In other embodiments, water filter element 60 may be removably attachedto spout 30 a. Snap-fit and screw thread attachment means may allowwater filter element 60 to be removably attached to spout 30 a.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show one embodiment of a method of use of flexible package10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is aschematic view of package 10 coupled to a removable water source 90prior to being filled. In this embodiment, water source is a bottle 90with proximal 92 and distal 94 ends containing contaminated water 95.Neck 96 is located on distal 94 end of bottle 90 and has screw threads98 as a means to attach to flexible package 10. In this embodiment,screw threads 98 of bottle 90 and screw threads 68 located on innersurface 66 of filter element 60 are sized so that screw threads 98 ofbottle 90 engage with screw threads 68 of filter element 60. Plasticwater bottles have standard screw thread profiles, and screw threads 68of filter element 60 can be designed to fit the standard screw threadprofiles.

In other embodiments, neck 96 of bottle 90 may engage with filterelement 60 by means of a snap-fit or resistant fit.

In yet other embodiments, water source 90 could be in the form of aconduit such as a pipe or hose through which contaminated water 95 ispumped. Pipe or hose could have screw threads sized to be able to engagewith screw threads 68 located on inner surface 66 of filter element 60.In still other embodiments, pipe or hose may engage with filter element60 by means of a snap-fit or resistant fit.

In FIG. 8, flexible container 20 with concentrated consumer product 40is shown in flattened configuration. FIG. 9 is a schematic view ofpackage 10 coupled to a water source 90 after being filled. Flexiblecontainer 20 with reconstituted consumer product 42 is shown indistended configuration.

In one embodiment method of using flexible package 10 according of thepresent invention, flexible package 10 containing concentrated consumerproduct 40 is first coupled to contaminated water source. Contaminatedwater source is then pressurized to force contaminated water throughfilter element 60 and into flexible container 20. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 8 and 9, where water source 90 is a bottle 90, pressuremay be applied to bottle 90 by squeezing bottle 90. In embodiments usingpipes or hoses, upstream pressure could be applied in the pipe or hoseto force contaminated water through filter element 60 and into flexiblecontainer 20.

The amount of contaminated water passed through filter element 60 andinto flexible container 20 will depend on the amount of water needed todilute concentrated consumer product 40 to properly reconstitutedconsumer product 42. There are many ways to determine the amount ofwater needed to dilute concentrated consumer product 40 to properlyreconstituted consumer product 42. For example, the use of indiciamarked on flexible container 20 is one method. As shown in FIG. 9,distended configuration flexible container 20 is another indicator thatsufficient water has been added to flexible container 20 to convertconcentrated consumer product 40 to properly reconstituted consumerproduct 42.

Once sufficient water is passed through filter element 60 and intoflexible container 20, flexible package 10 is uncoupled fromcontaminated water source. Properly reconstituted consumer product 42 isnow ready for use. To use consumer product 42, user removes water filterelement 60 from spout 30 and disperses consumer product 42 through spout30. Water filter element 60 may be removed from spout 30 by a number ofmeans. In one embodiment, the user can punch through water filterelement 60 using punching tool. If water filter element 60 is removablyattached to spout 30, the user may easily remove filter element 60 fromspout 30 and disperse consumer product 42 through spout 30.

Once consumer product 42 is fully dispersed from package 10, package 10can be discarded. If the elements of package 10 are made ofbiodegradable or dissolvable polymers, disposal of package 10 will notcontribute to the problems of trash accumulation in many parts of theworld.

In embodiments using a removable water filter element, the filterelement may have the ability to be reusable. In these embodiments, thewater filter element may be removed from a first flexiblecontainer/spout package and disposed in a second package. In theseembodiments, kits can be sold which contain a single, reusable waterfilter element and multiple packages comprising flexiblecontainers/spouts. In these embodiments, a single filter can be usedwith up to two, or four, or six, or twelve, or twenty four or morepackages comprising flexible containers/spout configurations. In someembodiments, the individual flexible containers/spout configurations caneach be single-use sachets.

In some embodiments, removable water filter elements can find a secondimportant use in locations, such as developing countries or wildernessarea, where water sources are often contaminated. The removable waterfilter element can be attached to a hand held bottle, filled withcontaminated water and used to filter out said contaminations to makethe water potable. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of anembodiment of a removable water filter element 160 prior to assemblywith spout 130 of a flexible package embodiment of the presentinvention.

The figure shows removable water filter element 160, which includesouter surface 162 and inner surface 166. Outer surface 162 has firstattachment means 164, here shown as screw threads, as well as secondattachment means 165, also shown as screw threads. Inner surface 166 hasthird attachment means 168, also shown as screw threads. The walls ofremovable water filter element 160 define open volume 174 in which isdisposed filter 180. Filter 180 is held in place, in this embodiment, byfilter supports 182. Contaminated water will enter water filter element160 through open volume 174, pass through filter 180, and leave waterfilter element 160 has through filter port 176 as clean water.

In this embodiment, cap 150 is designed to act as a closure device forfilter element 160. Cap 150 has means of attachment 154, in thisembodiment shown as screws threads 154, located on inner surface 152 ofcap 150. In this embodiment, screw threads 164 located on outer surface162 of filter element 160 and screws threads 154 on cap 150 are sized sothat screws threads 154 on cap 150 engage with screw threads 164 offilter element 160. FIG. 11 shows cap 150 attached to removable waterfilter element 160. In other embodiments, cap 150 may engage with waterfilter element 160 by means of a snap-fit or resistant fit.

FIG. 10 also shows another spout embodiment. The figure shows spout 130with spout opening 132, and inner and outer spout walls, 134 and 136,respectively. Inner spout walls 134 have attachment means in the form ofscrew threads 137. The figure also shows flexible container 20 withcontainer opening 25, and outer and inner container walls, 26 and 28,respectively. Spout 130 is attached to outer wall 26 of flexiblecontainer 20, and inner wall 134 surrounds container opening 25 suchthat fluid or other material may flow through the spout opening 132 intoand out of container 20 through container opening 25.

FIG. 11 shows removable water filter element 160 disposed in spout 130of flexible container 120, and screws threads 137 on spout 130 engagewith screw threads 165 of water filter element 160. Removable waterfilter element 160 is now removably attached to spout 130. In otherembodiments, snap-fit or resistant fit may be used to couple waterfilter element 160 to spout 130 of flexible container 20.

As described earlier, flexible container may now be filled withcontaminated water to dilute concentrated consumer product. As describedin FIGS. 8 and 9, water source is a bottle 90 with proximal 92 anddistal 94 ends containing contaminated water 95. Neck 96 is located ondistal 94 end of bottle 90 and has screw threads 98 as a means to attachto flexible package 10. In this embodiment, screw threads 98 of bottle90 and screw threads 168 located on inner surface 166 of filter element160 are sized so that screw threads 198 of bottle 190 engage with screwthreads 168 of filter element 160. In other embodiments, neck 96 ofbottle 90 may engage with filter element 160 by means of a snap-fit orresistant fit.

In this embodiment method of using flexible package 10 according of thepresent invention, flexible package 10 containing concentrated consumerproduct 40 is first coupled to contaminated water source. Contaminatedwater source is then pressurized to force contaminated water throughfilter element 160 and into flexible container 20. As in the embodimentshown in FIGS. 5 and 6, pressure may be applied to bottle 90 bysqueezing bottle 90, passing contaminated water 95 through filterelement 160 and into flexible container 20.

In this embodiment, once sufficient water is passed through removablefilter element 160 and into flexible container 20, flexible package 10is uncoupled from contaminated water source while filter element 160remains coupled to contaminated water source. This is accomplished whenscrew threads 165 are disengaged from matching screw threads locatedinside port 30 of flexible package 10. Now, filter element 160 remainscoupled to bottle 90 via the engagement of screw threads 98 of bottle 90and screw threads 168 of filter element 160.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of water filter element 160 of FIG. 10coupled to a water bottle 90 after being removed from flexible package10. At this point, the user now is able to obtain clean water fordrinking, washing, or other uses by using removable water filter element160 to filter contaminated water 95 in bottle 90.

Though not shown, a cap with matching screw threads can engage withscrew threads 165 on removable water filter element 160 to seal waterbottle 90 between uses.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show a flexible package according to a second embodimentof the present invention. FIG. 13 is a front view of package 200comprising flexible container or pouch 220 with proximal 222 and distal224 ends, as well as first face 226 and second face 228. First spout 230is located on first face 226 of flexible container 220. Second spout 330is located on proximal end 222 of flexible container 220. Although firstspout 230 is located on first face 226 of flexible container 220, it maybe located on second face 228 of flexible container 220. Also, it is tobe understood that although this embodiment shows two spouts, there maybe more than two spouts located on any of proximal 222 and distal 224ends, as well as first face 226 and second face 228 of flexiblecontainer 220.

Water filter element 60 is disposed in first spout 230, and cap 350 isshown disposed on second spout 330. It is to be understood that in someembodiments, water filter element 60 may be disposed in second spout330, while cap 350 may be disposed on first spout 230. Also, in someembodiments, there may be no cap, or multiple caps.

Flexible container 220 is partially filled with concentrated consumerproduct 240. As mentioned earlier, consumer product 240 may be in theform of a concentrated liquid, a loose or compressed powder, tablets, ora combination of forms. FIG. 14 is a side view of flexible package 200,showing a narrow section in flexible container 220 between proximal 222and distal 224 ends. Though shown as relatively flat in FIGS. 13 and 14,flexible container 220 may be in a folded configuration to save space instorage.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show one embodiment of a method of use of flexiblepackage 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14is a schematic view of package 200 coupled to a removable water source90 prior to being filled. Water source is a bottle 90 with proximal 92and distal 94 ends containing contaminated water 95. Neck 96 is locatedon distal 94 end of bottle 90 and has screw threads 98 as a means toattach to flexible package 10. In this embodiment, screw threads 98 ofbottle 90 and screw threads 68 located on inner surface 66 of filterelement 60 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) are sized so that screw threads 98 ofbottle 90 engage with screw threads 68 of filter element 60. Plasticwater bottles have standard screw thread profiles, and screw threads 68of filter element 60 can be designed to fit the standard screw threadprofiles.

In other embodiments, neck 96 of bottle 90 may engage with filterelement 60 by means of a snap-fit or resistant fit.

In yet other embodiments, water source 90 could be in the form of aconduit such as a pipe or hose through which contaminated water 95 ispumped. Pipe or hose could have screw threads sized to be able to engagewith screw threads 68 located on inner surface 66 of filter element 60.In still other embodiments, pipe or hose may engage with filter element60 by means of a snap-fit or resistant fit.

In FIG. 14, flexible container 220 with concentrated consumer product240 is shown in flattened configuration. FIG. 15 is a schematic view ofpackage 200 coupled to a water source 90 after being filled. Flexiblecontainer 220 with reconstituted consumer product 242 is shown indistended configuration.

In one embodiment method of using flexible package 200 according of thepresent invention, flexible package 200 containing concentrated consumerproduct 240 is first coupled to contaminated water source. Contaminatedwater source is then pressurized to force contaminated water throughfilter element 60 and into flexible container 220. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 14 and 15, where water source 90 is a bottle 90, pressuremay be applied to bottle 90 by squeezing bottle 90. In embodiments usingpipes or hoses, upstream pressure could be applied in the pipe or hoseto force contaminated water through filter element 60 and into flexiblecontainer 220.

The amount of contaminated water passed through filter element 60 andinto flexible container 220 will depend on the amount of water needed todilute concentrated consumer product 240 to properly reconstitutedconsumer product 242. There are many ways to determine the amount ofwater needed to dilute concentrated consumer product 240 to properlyreconstituted consumer product 242. For example, the use of indiciamarked on flexible container 220 is one method. As shown in FIG. 15,distended configuration flexible container 220 is another indicator thatsufficient water has been added to flexible container 220 to convertconcentrated consumer product 240 to properly reconstituted consumerproduct 242.

Once sufficient water is passed through filter element 60 and intoflexible container 220, flexible package 200 is uncoupled fromcontaminated water source by disengaging neck 96 of bottle 90 from firstspout 230. Properly reconstituted consumer product 242 is now ready foruse.

In general, second spout 330 is configured to allow reconstitutedconsumer product 242 to be dispensed therethrough. In some embodiments,second spout 330 is designed so that water source 90 cannot connect withsecond spout 330. This is done to prevent user from connectingcontaminated water to package 200 without water passing through waterfilter element 260 of first spout 230. In some embodiments, this may bedone by designing second spout 330 with a non-round cross-section.Non-round cross-sections include, but are not limited to, as oval,square, diamond, or hexagonal. Second spout 330 may also be in a taperedconfiguration, such as frustoconical, to prevent the user fromconnecting contaminated water to package 200.

To use reconstituted consumer product 242, user removes cap 350 fromsecond spout 330 and disperses reconstituted consumer product 242through second spout 330. In embodiment not using a cap, the user canpunch through second spout 330 using punching tool.

Once reconstituted consumer product 242 is fully dispersed from package200, package 200 can be discarded. If the elements of package 200 aremade of biodegradable or dissolvable polymers, disposal of package 200will not contribute to the problems of trash accumulation in many partsof the world.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of reconstituting a concentrated productcomprising: (a) providing a flexible container holding a concentrate,wherein said concentrate is a concentrate of a consumer product selectedfrom the group consisting of lotions, soaps, shampoos, conditioners,body washes, facial cleansers, moisturizers, astringents, exfoliationproducts, microdermabrasion and peel products, skin rejuvenationproducts, anti-aging products, and UV protection products, wherein saidflexible container comprises: (1) a flexible body holding saidconcentrate, (2) a spout, (3) a filter element disposed in said spout,wherein said filter element comprises a filter, wherein said filter isselected from the group consisting of nano-filter media; nano-fibers onmicro-glass fiber carries; carbon nano-tubes; and mixtures thereof; and(4) an attachment element configured to attach to a water source; (b)attaching a water source to the attachment element of the flexiblecontainer; and (c) forcing water through the filter element of thecontainer and into the container to form a reconstituted concentrate. 2.The method of claim 1 wherein said flexible container is in the form ofa pouch.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein said water source is a handheld water bottle and said forcing step comprises squeezing said waterbottle by hand to push water through the filter element and into saidflexible container to reconstitute the concentrate.
 4. The method ofclaim 3 wherein said flexible container is filled within a period ofabout five minutes or less.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein saidcontainer comprises a visible fill indicator and said forcing stepcomprises forcing sufficient water through the filter element such thatthe visible fill indicator indicates that the container is full.
 6. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising the step of removing the filterelement from said spout to dispense the reconstituted concentrate thoughsaid spout.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein said filter element remainsattached to said water source when said filter element is removed fromsaid spout.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein said flexible containercomprises a second spout and said method further comprises the step ofdispensing the reconstituted concentrate through said second spout. 9.The method of claim 1 wherein said concentrate is substantially free ofpreservatives.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein said forcing stepcomprises forcing water through said filter at a flow rate of about 10ml/(min*cm²) or greater.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein said forcingstep comprises forcing water through said filter at a flow rate of about20 ml/(min*cm²) or greater.
 12. The method of claim 7 further comprisingthe step of forcing water from the water source through the filterelement removed from the spout to produce filtered water outside of saidflexible container.
 13. The method of claim 6 wherein said removedfilter element is removed from the spout and the water source,optionally cleaned, and then attached to the same or a different watersource.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein after said removed filterelement is attached to the same or a different water source, water isforced therethrough to produce filtered water.